Lunin, Valverde react after Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano – ‘Important thing is to keep on winning’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid moved to second place in the La Liga standings following a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Merengues rode on first-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. to grab all three points even though things got a bit difficult towards the end of the match.

The result means Real Madrid are level on points with leaders Barcelona, who still have a game in hand after their clash against Osasuna on Saturday was cancelled due to tragic circumstances.

Andriy Lunin speaks out

Real Madrid made several changes to their lineup today and one such alteration saw Andriy Lunin start in goal ahead of Thibaut Courtois, who was rested due to some discomfort.

Reflecting on the team’s performance during a chat with RMTV, the Ukrainian goalkeeper said: “In the first half we controlled the game. The pity was the goal against in the last minute, in which they were lucky.

“In the second half, the game got complicated because Rayo are demanding and impose a lot of intensity.”

Further talking about the fixture schedule and the toll it takes on players, he added: “We are playing every three days and all the matches are very demanding because we are fighting in all competitions.

“Today those who came off the bench helped a lot, these are three very important points and after that we have a very important match coming up.”

About the upcoming UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Lunin said:

“We prepare every match in the same way because we are fighting in all competitions. We must have commitment and responsibility. We are all aware of the shield we are playing for.”

Continuing, he added: “It’s the Champions League, this club’s tournament and we know the responsibility we have. It’s a derby, it will be complicated, we will prepare as well as possible and we will give it our all.”

Concluding, Lunin highlighted the unity in the squad while also praising midfielder Federico Valverde, as he said:

“I’m in the best place in the world with these teammates. Valverde is a leader, a captain and we are very happy with him.”

Valverde celebrates milestone

Valverde played his 200th La Liga game for Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Federico Valverde, who played his 200th La Liga game for Real Madrid today, also spoke to the club media, expressing his joy at achieving the milestone.

“It’s a tremendous honour to play for the best team in the world. It’s an honour to continue wearing this shirt, to continue winning and to continue achieving goals on a personal level,” said Valverde.

“I want to involve the fans, who are always supporting me in the good times and in the not so good times, my family and my teammates. We have to continue along the same path.”

Providing an update on his physical condition and mental health, the Uruguayan noted:

“I’m happy. On a mental level I am calm with what we are doing to continue recovering my body physically and obviously with the help of the doctors, the physios and the energy of the people close to me I can continue working, growing and always be at 100% with the team.”

Regarding the victory over Rayo, he said: “The important thing is to win and get the three points.

“It was a little bit of a dull game, but the important thing is to keep on winning and prepare for what’s coming up in midweek, which is the Champions League and that’s very important.”

Concluding, Valverde discussed next week’s derby against Atletico Madrid, asking fans to keep supporting the team.

“We know that this is the most important game of the season and I want to thank you for always supporting us. If we are united we will surely achieve everything this year. I want to thank the fans,” he said.